Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
Season 4
4.4 Joshua Leads the People
Joshua Leads the People: Be Strong and Courageous
As a new generation prepared to enter the Promised Land, God called Joshua to lead with faith and courage. Trusting God’s presence and promises, Joshua stepped forward into a new chapter of God’s story.
4.4 Joshua Leads the People
For forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness.
The generation that had refused to trust God at the edge of the Promised Land had passed away.
Now a new generation stood ready to move forward.
One major change remained.
Moses, the great leader who had led Israel out of Egypt, would not enter the Promised Land.
The responsibility for leading God’s people would pass to Joshua.
Joshua had served alongside Moses for many years. He had witnessed God’s miracles, trusted God’s promises, and remained faithful when others doubted.
Now God called Joshua to lead the people into the future He had promised.
The story of Joshua reminds us that God’s work continues from generation to generation and that courage comes from trusting God’s presence.
Scripture References
Joshua 1:1–18
Related Reading:
Deuteronomy 31:1–8
Joshua 24:14–15
Hebrews 13:5–6
The Story
After Moses died, the leadership of Israel passed to Joshua.
This was no small responsibility.
Joshua would lead the people across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land.
God spoke directly to Joshua:
“Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people.” (Joshua 1:2 NASB)
God reminded Joshua of the promises He had made to His people.
The land would be theirs.
The mission would succeed.
But Joshua would need courage.
Three times in the opening chapter, God told Joshua:
“Be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9 NASB)
God also gave Joshua a promise:
“I will be with you; I will not fail you
or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5 NASB)
Joshua was instructed to remain faithful to God’s Word and to lead the people in obedience.
The people responded with support and commitment.
Together they prepared to enter the land God had promised generations earlier to Abraham.
A new chapter in Israel’s story was about to begin.
Understanding the Story
Leadership Changes, God Does Not
Moses was gone, but God remained.
The future of Israel did not depend on one human leader.
It depended on God’s faithfulness.
Throughout Scripture, leaders come and go, but God’s purposes continue.
Courage Comes from God’s Presence
Joshua faced enormous challenges.
The task before him was larger than anything he could accomplish alone.
God’s answer was not a detailed plan.
God’s answer was His presence.
The promise “I will be with you” gave Joshua the courage to move forward.
God’s Word Provides Direction
God instructed Joshua to meditate on His law and obey it faithfully.
Success would not come through military strength alone.
It would come through trusting and obeying God.
Faith Requires Action
Joshua could not remain on the eastern side of the Jordan River forever.
Eventually he had to step forward.
Faith often requires taking the next step even before we know all the details.
Why This Story Matters
Joshua’s story speaks to many situations believers face today.
How do we handle change?
By trusting that God remains faithful even when circumstances change.
Where does courage come from?
Courage grows from confidence in God’s presence.
Why is Scripture important?
God’s Word provides guidance, wisdom, and direction.
What does faith look like?
Faith moves forward in obedience even when the future is uncertain.
Connecting to Jesus
Joshua’s name means “The Lord saves.”
Interestingly, the name Jesus comes from the same Hebrew root.
Joshua led God’s people into the Promised Land.
Jesus leads believers into the fullness of God’s promises.
Joshua was a faithful leader.
Jesus is the perfect Savior and King.
Joshua could guide people into a physical land.
Jesus leads people into eternal life and a restored relationship with God.
Joshua points forward to the greater Deliverer who would come.
Living the Message
Joshua’s story encourages us to move forward in faith.
This week:
Trust God during times of change.
Spend time reading and reflecting on Scripture.
Remember God’s faithfulness in past seasons.
Pray for courage in areas where you feel uncertain.
Take one step of obedience toward what God is calling you to do.
Reflect and Discuss
Why was Joshua a good choice to lead Israel?
Possible answers:
He trusted God, remained faithful, and had learned from Moses.What command did God repeat to Joshua?
Possible answers:
“Be strong and courageous.”Why could Joshua be courageous?
Possible answers:
Because God promised to be with him.How can believers face uncertainty today?
Possible answers:
By trusting God’s presence, studying Scripture, and taking faithful steps forward.GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Joshua 1 reveals God’s faithfulness, leadership, and guidance during a time of transition.
Reasons We Believe
God’s promises to Joshua remind us that He remains with His people in every season.
Obedience in Action
Move forward in faith when God opens new opportunities.
Walk It Out
Ask God for courage and wisdom as you face changes and challenges.
Related Pages
Season 4: Wilderness Adventure
Closing Invitation
Joshua stood at the edge of a new beginning.
The wilderness years were ending.
The Promised Land lay ahead.
God’s message was simple:
Be strong. Be courageous. Trust Me.
Those words still encourage believers today.
As the story continues, Joshua and the Israelites will discover that victory comes not through human strength but through faithful obedience to God.
Continue to Lesson 4.5: Jericho Falls.
